Emma has spent 20 years working in in arts management and community projects.

She holds a degree in Arts Management and Youth & Community Work, Emma’s journey began at Chicken Shed as a drama facilitator, where she discovered her passion for inclusive practice and community arts.

She then became a Youth and Community worker, leading arts-based programmes including an orchestral residency.

Emma worked as the Arts and Culture Manager at a local council, where she ran the Building in the Arts programme, commissioned public art, and developed a Public Art Strategy.

She also led a number of large-scale projects including artists in residence across libraries and a six year public art project funded by Arts Council England.

Emma and her best friend co-founded Shape Youth Arts, delivering youth services across Bedfordshire and NCS programmes in Luton, using an arts-led approach and collaborating with artists and creatives.

Emma took on the role of Place Partnerships Manager at the Royal Opera House.

She worked across the East region to establish partnerships, design funding streams, and strategically enhance place-based arts offers for children and young people.

Emma also developed Local Cultural Education Partnerships and EDI initiatives.
Emma’s commitment to arts and community goes beyond her professional roles. She has served on the boards of several Music Hubs and Arts organisations and spent seven years as a school governor, focusing on arts.

Emma enjoys participating in her local Rep Theatre, both performing in and directing plays. As a mother and co-CEO of her household, she values the importance of people and community in all her endeavours. Emma believes in the power of communities and advocates for equitable access to arts and culture, ensuring that everyone can experience the transformative impact of the arts.